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Commonwealth Environmental Water Office

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13

Commonwealth Environmental Water Office Cover image: Red-kneed dotterel, Macquarie Marshes Photograph by David Straccione (CEWO)

© Commonwealth of 2013

This report should be cited as ‘Environmental Outcomes Report 2012–13’.

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Department of the Environment, Public Affairs, GPO Box 787 ACT 2601 or email [email protected]

ISBN: 978-1-921733-90-1

Design by Biotext ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 Contents

Foreword iv

Use of Commonwealth environmental water in 2012–13 1

Southern Basin outcomes 3

Murray ...... 3

Lower Murray Valley—Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth—...... 3 Mid-Murray—Edward- River and Tuppal, Gywnnes, Colligen, , Jimaringle–Cockran and Gunbower creeks— and ...... 8 Murrumbidgee...... 11

Northern Victoria ...... 14

Broken Creek...... 14 Campaspe...... 15 Goulburn...... 15 Loddon...... 15 Ovens...... 15 Northern Basin outcomes 19

Northern Basin regulated catchments...... 19

Border ...... 19 Gwydir ...... 19 Lachlan ...... 20 Macquarie ...... 21 Namoi ...... 21 Northern Basin unregulated catchments...... 22

Barwon–Darling...... 22 Condamine–Balonne...... 22 Moonie...... 22 Resources 23

Acknowledgements 24

ii

Foreword

The 2012–13 watering year was particularly Wetlands important for the Commonwealth Environmental • connecting rivers to wetlands to support Water Office (the Office). It was the year in nutrient cycling and food chains which the Basin Plan was made and in which we reached a milestone of 2500 billion litres of • inundating vegetation and supporting Commonwealth environmental water delivered native plant and animal reproduction and since 2009. I announced the first agreement growth including bird breeding events. for the management of Commonwealth environmental water by a non-government Floodplains organisation, the Nature Foundation South Australia. The intention to place Commonwealth • supporting the growth and germination of environmental water local engagement officers important plant communities, such as river in regional areas in the Murray–Darling Basin (the red gums Basin) was also announced and negotiations with hosting organisations commenced. • connecting rivers to floodplains, thereby supporting food chains and Over the past five years, Commonwealth nutrient cycling. environmental watering has helped improve the health and resilience of the Basin’s The Office undertakes robust planning toinform ecosystems by: my decisions on the use of Commonwealth environmental water. This planning has become Rivers more sophisticated over time, with frameworks and approaches being adapted and improved • improving water quality by flushing salt, in response to results from monitoring and sediments and excess nutrients out of feedback on the outcomes of environmental the system through the Murray Mouth, watering. The Basin Plan’s environmental and providing refuges to help reduce watering plan adds another element to our the impacts of natural blackwater events planning. It facilitates the coordination of the caused by large rainfall-generated floods annual planning process at a Basin scale and requires the development of long-term watering • supporting native fish breeding and plans for each catchment. The environmental recruitment, as well as supporting their watering plan also provides environmental food sources objectives, along with targets to measure progress against the objectives. During • helping to improve the quality of habitat in 2012–13 the Office successfully commenced riverbank areas. the transition to meet the requirements of the Basin Plan.

iv COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Short-term monitoring by scientists has been on the benefits they are observing from the use commissioned across a range of sites in the Basin of environmental water in their area. Some of catchment where Commonwealth environmental water has these views are also reflected in this report. Photograph by been delivered. This Outcomes Report identifies Daniel Rothenfluh (CEWO) the ecological outcomes of environmental I am very grateful for the time, expertise and watering based on the results of scientific advice provided by our delivery partners, other monitoring prior to 2012–13, as well as findings environmental water holders, members of our from operational monitoring and observed advisory panels, regional water management outcomes of watering actions. It is not cost advisory groups and the many landowners who effective to monitor every site; for sites without work with us to plan, manage and monitor the monitoring results, the 2012–13 outcomes have use of environmental water in the Basin. been inferred based on the operational data David Papps received and the best available science. Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Monitoring projects are not our only source of information about the results being achieved. Local communities, such as those in the Murrumbidgee and mid-Murray, are reporting

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 v catchment Photograph by Neal Foster (NSW Office of Water) vi Use of Commonwealth environmental water in 2012–13

The 2012–13 year saw a return to drier conditions Over 240 billion litres of the total amount across most of the Basin. To ensure that the delivered was used to achieve multiple ecological restoration of river and wetland environmental outcomes at multiple sites in the communities that began with the breaking of southern connected Basin. This was an efficient the drought and the wetter conditions from use of water that maximised environmental 2010 to early 2012 continued, Commonwealth outcomes at both the local and Basin scales. environmental watering was used to build on Carryover from the previous year was also used and maintain the momentum of restoration to enable environmental watering early in the and help build resilience in preparation for the season and to supplement annual allocations. next drought. The planning for annual use and By drawing on carryover more water was used in management of Commonwealth environmental 2012–13 than was received in new allocations. water in 2012–13 was undertaken in a robust and Black-winged stilts, Commonwealth environmental water was comprehensive manner consistent with the Basin Gwydir catchment Plan as it was being finalised. delivered by river operators, usually with Photograph by water from other environmental water holders Bruce Campbell (CEWO) Commonwealth environmental water was including state governments, the Murray– used in 34 environmental watering actions Darling Basin Authority and non-government across 15 Basin catchments in 2012–13. A organisations. Further details of the Office’s total of 1,272 billion litres of Commonwealth activities in 2012–13 are in the Commonwealth environmental water was used to: environmental water annual report 2012–13.

• provide river flows that supported good water quality for the environment and water users

• connect rivers to floodplains, which helped maintain food chains and supported fish movement

• fill wetlands that supported native fish, birds and other native animals.

Namoi River catchment Photograph by Neal Foster (NSW Office of Water)

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 1 2 Southern Basin outcomes

barrages and out through the Murray Mouth. Murray Additional environmental water for these flows was also provided by The Living Murray program. The Murray catchment Environmental watering helped maintain the received 582.9 billion connections of waterways in these areas, litres of Commonwealth supporting fish movement and the flushing of environmental water in salt and nutrients from the Basin. This contributed 2012–13, in conjunction with water from the New to improved habitat in the Coorong to support South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, native fish, waterbird and plant growth. Watering the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, actions promoted the continued restoration The Living Murray and the Nature Foundation of native plant and animal communities and South Australia. Delivery of Commonwealth contributed to building their resilience to possible environmental water across the Murray low inflows in the future. catchment contributed to connecting habitats along the river and between the river channel Environmental watering of a number of South and fringing wetlands. This in turn helped Australian locations, including Whirlpool Corner, maintain and improve the health of riverbank Disher Creek and Berri Basin, contributed to areas and wetland native plants, and supported improving the health of native riverbank plant the survival and breeding of native fish such communities, such as river red gums and black as Murray cod, silver perch, golden perch and box. These flows also contributed to increasing freshwater catfish. Environmental flows also the transport of nutrients and salt from the river facilitated the dispersal of nutrients within the system and mitigating potential environmental system to provide food for aquatic animals, and impacts of acid drainage from the Lower the flushing of excess sediments and salt from Murray Swamps. Environmental water used at the system to improve water quality. these locations was provided from flows that progressed downstream after being delivered A darter, Murray Lower Valley— in Victoria (see below for benefits to Victorian River catchment near Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray catchments). The Office also undertook the Mildura first use of Commonwealth environmental Photograph by Mouth—South Australia Suzanne Busch (CEWO) water as part of a long-term agreement with In 2012–13 the Commonwealth provided a non-government organisation, the Nature 548.9 billion litres of environmental water to Foundation South Australia (see focus article on improve flows and habitat in the lower River page 6). Murray channel, the Lower Lakes and the Coorong, and to increase flows through the

Gunbower Creek, Murray River catchment Photograph by Alana Wilkes (CEWO)

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 3 FOCUS ARTICLE

The view across the Contributing to the restoration of the Lower Murray, Coorong looking towards the Murray South Australia Mouth, South Australia Monitoring commissioned by the office in the By helping to manage salinity and maintain Photograph by Lower Murray has shown that: water quality and water levels in the Coorong, Alana Wilkes (CEWO) environmental watering actions have • in 2011–12, environmental water exported encouraged recruitment of aquatic plants such about 18% of the average 2 million tonnes as Ruppia tuberosa, and of Murray hardyhead of salt that needs to be exported from the populations (a small, endangered native fish) Basin each year to maintain water quality and increased the availability of threatened waterbird habitat in the South Lagoon. Figure 1 • in February 2012, Commonwealth shows the contribution that environmental water environmental water was responsible for made to flows in the Lower Murray in 2012–13. removing about 70% of the salt exported from the Basin that month.

These results show that Commonwealth environmental water is helping to maintain ecosystem functions, such as flows through the Murray Mouth, above critical thresholds to improve water quality in the Basin.

4 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Figure 1: Hydrograph showing the contribution of environmental water to Lower Murray flows during 2012–13 (includes Commonwealth environmental water and water managed by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority for The Living Murray).

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 5 FOCUS ARTICLE

Murray River Environmental watering with the Nature Foundation catchment near Mildura South Australia Photograph by Suzanne Busch (CEWO) In February 2013 the Commonwealth to improve the condition of river red gum and Environmental Water Holder officially black box woodlands, lignum swamps and launched the first delivery of Commonwealth samphire floodplains (samphire is a native plant environmental water in partnership with the that grows on many of southern Australia’s Nature Foundation South Australia (a not- salty river flats) and the many species of for- profit wildlife charity), at Clarks Floodplain threatened and vulnerable birds, fish, frogs and near Berri. invertebrates for which they provide habitat.

It was the start of a first-of-its-kind agreement The Nature Foundation South Australia has allocating 50 billion litres of Commonwealth produced the You Tube video First Commonwealth environmental water over five years for the Environmental Watering for Nature Foundation Nature Foundation South Australia to use in which provides more information about this rehabilitation projects at River Murray floodplains watering event. and wetlands in South Australia.

Established during the recent drought, the Nature Foundation South Australia’s Water for Nature program has been helping to redress the damage and stress to River Murray ecosystems and habitats caused by drought, salinity and river regulation. It focuses on urgent intervention

6 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE “Now is an excellent time to be doing environmental watering here because we’re following on from two really quite wet years. We’ve had huge flows in the River Murray which we haven’t seen for a long time, we had a drought and now we’ve got a really wet period and we’ve got lots of natural recruitment, little seedlings coming up and we want to keep those alive so that they become part of the woodland and help the woodland recover here on the floodplains of the River Murray.” Dr Greg Johnston, Conservation Ecologist, Nature Foundation South Australia (February 2013)

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 7 Mid-Murray—Edward- native animals such as the pobblebonk frog, and Tuppal, Gywnnes, Colligen, Peron’s tree frog and wrinkled toadlet. Yallakool, Jimaringle–Cockran and At Colligen Creek and Yallakool Creek, a Gunbower creeks—New South number of instream flow pulses in spring and Wales and Victoria autumn supported the movement, breeding and recruitment of native fish such as Murray A total of 33.9 billion litres of Commonwealth cod and golden and silver perch. environmental water was provided in the mid- Murray River in 2012–13 through watering actions Landholders along these creeks continue to be coordinated with the New South Wales (NSW) key partners by generously sharing their time, Office of Environment and Heritage. knowledge and experience during the planning, delivery and monitoring of these watering At Jimaringle Creek, Cockran Creek, Gwynnes actions. The NSW Office of Environment and Creek and Tuppal Creek, Commonwealth and Heritage has produced the You Tube videos NSW environmental water was used to provide Restoring Tuppal Creek and The Cockran, Jimaringle flows to maintain and improve water quality, in and Gwynnes Creek systems, which provide more particular to reduce salinity. This helped maintain information about these watering events. and improve the health of native plant communities including river red gum, black box and lignum. These flows also provided good- quality habitats for breeding and recruitment of

Landholder Jim Macdonald with daughter Grace during the environmental watering of Tuppal Creek in November 2012 Photograph by Vince Bucello, courtesy of NSW OEH

8 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Gwynnes Creek, Murray River “Since this environmental catchment, before and after flow started a couple environmental watering Photographs by of months ago we’ve Josh Campbell noticed a lot more bird (Murray CMA) life down here along the creek. The water is of much better quality, it’s clearer and the trees seem to have responded with a lot of fresh growth and they look a lot healthier as well.” Greg Sandford, Tuppal Creek landholder (May 2013)

Commonwealth environmental water deliveries totalling 2.1 billion litres were provided during 2012–13 to Gunbower Creek, coordinated with additional water from The Living Murray and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. The environmental water used in Gunbower Creek was provided from flows that were originally part of other environmental watering actions in the northern Victorian catchments. Environmental native fish— including golden and silver perch, watering in the catchment contributed to Murray cod and crimson spotted rainbowfish— maintaining habitat quality and food sources for and assisted them to migrate and grow.

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 9 FOCUS ARTICLE

Edward River near Environmental responses to the delivery of , Murray River catchment environmental water in the Edward–Wakool river Photograph by James Smeeth system and fish monitoring outcomes (CEWO) Since 2011 the Office has commissioned a number • provided a refuge for fish and aquatic of studies, involving University and animals from naturally occurring hypoxic partner agencies including the Murray Catchment blackwater (low dissolved oxygen levels Management Authority, to monitor and report in the water) in the Edward–Wakool rivers on the ecosystem responses to environmental in April 2012, as well as providing refuges watering in the Edward–Wakool river system. The downstream in the Murray River. results from this monitoring are helping inform the future use of environmental water for the benefit of Monitoring has also been undertaken for the the river. Commonwealth environmental water used in the Edward–Wakool River system during 2012–13. Key outcomes identified through the 2011–12 Early results show that when Commonwealth stage of this work (and related monitoring in environmental water was delivered: the Murray River) are that Commonwealth environmental water in the Edward–Wakool river • there were no blackwater events in the system has: relevant areas

• contributed to increased breeding of carp • a variety of native fish—including Murray gudgeon, a small native fish cod, river blackfish, Australian smelt, carp gudgeon, flathead gudgeon and Murray • contributed to increasing the food sources River rainbowfish—were recorded in all river for native fish reaches monitored, with the exception of the Canal. This is a good indication that native fish breeding was successful in this system. 10 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Murrumbidgee

During 2012–13, the Office “We kept it carp free partnered with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage with the series of carp to deliver Commonwealth environmental flows totalling 156 billion litres screens and the bird life through watering actions targeting native fish health in the Murrumbidgee River channel and that came in was very the re-establishment and regeneration of native plant communities and habitat in riverbank and large numbers, probably wetland areas. 30,000 40,000 birds of Environmental water deliveries in the mid and lower Murrumbidgee River, targeting in- all the duck species. There channel habitat between Gogeldrie Weir (near Leeton) and Hay, contributed to maintaining the inundation of breeding habitat for native were a few freckled fish, particularly Murray cod. The flows ran long enough to help young and adult native fish ducks spotted and disperse throughout the river at the end of the breeding season. countless numbers of black-tailed water hens.” Peter Morton, Cherax Swamp landholder (May 2013)

Environmental watering in areas of the western lower Murrumbidgee floodplain, including Cherax Swamp and Hobblers Lake, promoted the health and regeneration of native plant communities in creeks and wetlands, establishment and growth of native plant communities in locations isolated from the floodplain, and good-quality habitat for native animals including waterbirds, fish and frogs.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has produced the You Tube videos Helping the Murray cod in the Murrumbidgee and Cherax Swamp and Murrumbidgee River catchment Hobblers Lake bounce back, which provide more Photograph by Andrew Lowes (CEWO) information about these watering events.

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 11 FOCUS ARTICLE

Murrumbidgee Environmental responses of Commonwealth River catchment Photograph by environmental water delivered to the Andrew Lowes (CEWO) Murrumbidgee and lower Murrumbidgee rivers

Since 2011 the office has commissioned • the productivity and biodiversity of fish short-term monitoring projects to provide a and microcrustaceans in the lower scientific assessment of the ecological benefits Murrumbidgee floodplain and river system of Commonwealth environmental water use in the Murrumbidgee River and its wetlands • connecting wetlands and creeks to and floodplain. rivers, which enables native fish and other animals to move around the system The University of New South Wales and partner and have greater access to food and agencies monitored the use of Commonwealth nesting sites environmental water in the lower Murrumbidgee area. Key outcomes identified through this work • ecosystem functions, such as nutrient and are that Commonwealth environmental water carbon cycling, that support food chains in has contributed to: the Basin.

• Increased native fish numbers in the The results from this monitoring are helping rivers and wetlands of the Murrumbidgee inform the future use of environmental water for catchment including bony bream, carp the benefit of the river. gudgeon and golden perch

12 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Monitoring has also been undertaken of Commonwealth environmental water used in the Murrumbidgee during 2012–13. Early results show that after Commonwealth environmental water was delivered:

• native fish out-numbered introduced fish by more than five to one

• in the Murrumbidgee River and Old Man Creek native fish larvae were found, including Murray cod, river blackfish and Australian smelt—a good indicator of breeding

• six types of frogs were recorded, including the southern bell frog, which is listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth An inland banjo frog that has almost completed the Environment Protection Biodiversity process (known as metamorphosis) of changing from a Conservation Act 1999; four types of frogs tadpole into a frog, Murrumbidgee River catchment were recorded breeding: the barking Photograph by Skye Wassens (Charles Sturt University) marsh frog, spotted marsh frog, inland banjo frog and plains froglet.

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 13 Northern Victoria facilitate the movement of native fish and sustain their habitat, particularly during fish A total of 251.8 billion litres of Commonwealth migration and breeding seasons, by maintaining environmental water was provided across the optimal levels of dissolved oxygen and restricting northern Victorian catchments during 2012–13. excessive aquatic plant growth. These flows also Watering actions were coordinated with the use moved downstream contributing to increased of environmental water from the Victorian flows to the Lower Murray River channel, Lower Environmental Water Holder and The Living Lakes and Coorong that were used to maintain Murray program. Many of these actions were aquatic habitat and ensure adequate lake designed to achieve environmental outcomes levels, barrage releases and flows through the at multiple sites in Victoria and downstream in barrage fishways. the South Australian River Murray. Watering to support the restoration of the upper Broken Creek included increasing natural Broken Creek flow variability and building the resilience of The Broken Creek catchment aquatic habitats for drier periods in the future. received 41.2 billion litres These flows also promoted habitat diversity of Commonwealth and successional change in native plant and environmental water in animal communities. 2012–13. This helped to

Broken Creek, Goulburn–Broken catchment Photograph by Simon Hansen (CEWO)

14 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Northern Victoria Campaspe opportunities for native plant and animal communities; assisted with mobilisation, transport During 2012–13, 6.8 billion litres and dispersal of sediments and nutrients; and A total of 251.8 billion litres of Commonwealth of Commonwealth helped improve habitat connectivity along the environmental water was provided across the environmental water was river to facilitate the re-establishment of native northern Victorian catchments during 2012–13. used in the Campaspe aquatic plants and animal communities. These Watering actions were coordinated with the use River in combination with environmental flows also contributed to multiple of environmental water from the Victorian additional water provided by The Living environmental benefits in the River Murray Environmental Water Holder and The Living Murray program and Goulburn-Murray Water’s channel, Lower Lakes and Coorong. Murray program. Many of these actions were Connections project. designed to achieve environmental outcomes at multiple sites in Victoria and downstream in Outcomes from environmental watering in the Loddon the South Australian River Murray. catchment included maintaining the health and The received extent of native plant communities and 2.7 billion litres of supporting river bed and bank habitat to Broken Creek Commonwealth provide breeding and recruitment opportunities environmental water during The Broken Creek catchment for invertebrates and native fish such as Murray 2012–13, along with additional received 41.2 billion litres cod, golden and silver perch and trout cod. water from the Victorian Environmental Water of Commonwealth Watering actions contributed to the mobilisation, Holder. This helped maintain native plant and environmental water in transport and dispersal of sediment, nutrients catchment animal communities along the river in a healthy, 2012–13. This helped to and organic matter, which is an important Photograph by dynamic and resilient condition. Outcomes Ryan Breen (CEWO) process for maintaining a healthy river system included enabling native fish movement, and helping habitat connectivity. These Broken Creek, maintaining habitat for aquatic invertebrates environmental flows also contributed to multiple Goulburn–Broken and improving habitat connectivity. catchment environmental benefits in the River Murray Photograph by Simon channel, Lower Lakes and Coorong. Hansen (CEWO) Ovens Goulburn In the catchment, 0.02 billion litres A total of 201.1 billion litres of of Commonwealth Commonwealth environmental water was environmental water was used to make a minor provided to the Goulburn contribution to maintaining the health of native River during 2012–13. plant communities such as river red gums and Commonwealth environmental water was used supporting and connecting the habitat of native in combination with water from The Living animal communities including invertebrates, Murray program and the Victorian frogs, turtles and fish such as Murray cod and Environmental Water Holder to complement trout cod. natural flows. Watering actions in the catchment helped support the ongoing restoration of river-dependent native animals and plants. They promoted breeding and recruitment

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 15 FOCUS ARTICLE

Ian Fisher (left) and How Commonwealth environmental water use is John Conallin (right) holding a healthy achieving outcomes for native fish in the Basin Murray cod prior to releasing it back A number of watering actions undertaken by (see figure2 ). For example actions can be timed into the Edward- the Office during 2012–13 were planned and to coincide with and contribute to improving the Wakool River delivered to achieve a range of outcomes to breeding season of targeted types of native fish, system. benefit native fish in the Basin. Interventions such such as Murray cod. Flows maintain and connect Photograph by Ian as habitat restoration, the installation of fishways, healthy wetlands, creeks and streams to rivers Fisher, Edward-Wakool Anglers Association avoiding cold water pollution and managing so that the rich sources of food they contain are introduced plants and animals can—when available to native fish fry. combined with environmental flows—work The monitoring projects commissioned by together to achieve the restoration of native fish the office have shown that Commonwealth in the Basin over time. The efficient and effective environmental water has contributed to the: use of environmental water makes an important contribution to achieving these gains. • reproduction and recruitment of native fish The planning of each Commonwealth • availability of food sources required by environmental watering action includes an native fish assessment of key risks to native fish, including the • health of habitat required for native fish to potential impacts of hypoxic blackwater, cold water shelter, breed and nest pollution and the potential spread and/or population increase of introduced fish such as carp. • ability of native fish to compete with introduced fish like carp. Using the best available advice, each watering These projects are also providing guidance to action is planned to make the most of the environmental water and fisheries managers connected nature of the rivers, creeks and about how lessons from past watering actions wetlands, which all play different and important can help improve the outcomes we can achieve roles in the restoration of native fish in the Basin for native fish in the Basin.

16 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Photographs by (left to right): Erin Lenon (Murrumbidgee CMA), Kim Jenkins/Jordan Iles (University of NSW), Anna Navarro-Cuenca (Charles Sturt University) and J. Hutchison (NSW DPI Fisheries).

Figure 2 The use of environmental water is just one of many actions that can help local communities restore habitat for our iconic native fish, such as Murray cod.

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 17 Northern Basin outcomes

18 Northern Basin outcomes

Watering actions in the northern Basin in In the lower Macintyre River, additional 2012–13 were managed in cooperation environmental watering benefit was provided with the Department of Natural through the Commonwealth’s unsupplemented Resources and Mines, the NSW Office of Water, entitlement augmenting the planned the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, environmental watering effect. This is expected the NSW State Water Corporation, the NSW to have helped support a more naturally variable Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries), flow regime, improve access to fish habitat local advisory groups, landholders and scientists. through recruitment and movement Commonwealth environmental water was often opportunities, and promote nutrient cycling delivered with NSW environmental water. through to the end of the river system.

Northern Basin regulated Gwydir catchments Commonwealth environmental water totalling 27.7 billion litres was delivered with NSW environmental water The catchment to contribute to inundation of received 2.6 billion litres core wetland areas in the Gwydir catchment. of Commonwealth In the Mallowa Wetlands and Gwydir Wetlands, environmental water in environmental water was used to support and 2012–13. This included a flow build on the extensive ecological responses of release out of Pindari Dam targeting the NSW the wet years 2010–12. This included enabling Severn River to stimulate the aquatic food growth, breeding and small-scale recruitment chain and provide food sources and habitat of a diverse range of native plants and animals, improvements for aquatic plants and animals promoting connections between the floodplain such as aquatic insects, fish, platypus and birds. and rivers, and supporting medium-flow river catchment and floodplain processes such as the distribution Photograph by Clare d’Arcy CEWO In the Queensland reaches of the Severn River, of nutrients throughout these areas. Conditions Commonwealth environmental water contributed did not trigger large-scale colonial waterbird to providing a more naturally variable river flow breeding events during the 2012–13 season. regime, filling and reconnecting waterholes that However, the NSW Office of Environment and serve as refuges for fish and aquatic animals during Heritage report that birdlife was abundant across low river flows, promoting suitable conditions for the wetlands with many juvenile ibis, egret and migration and spawning of large-bodied native heron species from the 2011–12 breeding season fish, and encouraging the germination and remaining in the wetlands to feed and grow. maintenance of riverbank vegetation.

Border Rivers catchment Photograph by Clare d’Arcy (CEWO)

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 19 Lachlan Over 73 billion litres of Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to the Lachlan catchment from July 2012 to the end of July 2013. Combined with NSW environmental water to give a total of 88 billion litres, this watering event was the largest ever use of environmental water held in the system.

Environmental water contributed to improving the overall health of the river system, providing benefits to over 620 kilometres of river system and over 60,000 hectares of floodplain wetlands in the lower Lachlan system downstream of . Lake Waljeers and Peppermint and Baconian swamps were filled and should retain water throughout summer 2013–14, providing important refuges for native plants and animals. A small volume also reached Lake Ita. Flows in the Great reached their A jacky winter, maximum extent, inundating red gums at Macquarie River the margin of the swamp, as well as black catchment box, lignum and other wetland vegetation Photograph by Louise communities that provide important habitat Armstrong (CEWO) for wildlife. The delivery of this water was planned in close consultation with landholders and with the regional community. Landholders played Great Cumbung Swamp, Lachlan River catchment an important role in providing advice and Photograph by Damian McRae (CEWO) information on the use and extent of inundation. for once every four to five years in this part of the The watering was carried out during winter 2013 catchment. to maximise the efficiency of delivery and the spread of water in the channel and floodplain The Office has produced the You Tube video areas and limit the impact on farming activities. A bird’s eye view: Environmental watering in the lower It is anticipated that this size of watering event Lachlan River catchment, which provides more will be planned—with ongoing local support and information about this watering event. subject to water availability and allocations—

20 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Macquarie A total of 100 billion litres of Commonwealth environmental water was provided to the Macquarie River and Macquarie Marshes together with 166 billion litres of NSW environmental water.

This was the largest delivery to date of environmental water held by the Commonwealth and NSW governments in the Macquarie catchment. It was also the largest delivered volume to date of Commonwealth environmental water in a single action in the northern Basin.

Environmental outcomes achieved across approximately 50,000 hectares of marshes— parts of which are recognised as wetlands of Namoi A lace monitor, international importance—included: Macquarie River Watering of the lower Namoi catchment • ensuring adequate water to enable River using 7.7 billion litres Photograph by Louise Armstrong (CEWO) ongoing restoration of native wetland of Commonwealth plant communities environmental water helped to extend periods of wetting • maintaining connectivity of watercourses of in-channel habitats, maintain water quality on the floodplain to improve water quality and nutrient cycling processes, and support the and allow animals to move between abundance and diversity of native plants and different areas animals by providing opportunities to access a range of habitats for sheltering, feeding • providing the flow types required to and breeding. support the habitat needs and breeding sites of migratory shorebirds and waterbirds including the glossy ibis, straw-necked ibis, intermediate egret and rufous night heron. The endangered Australian painted snipe was also recorded in the northern part of the Macquarie Marshes .

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 21 Northern Basin unregulated catchments

Barwon–Darling Commonwealth environmental water totalling 25.6 billion litres was used to support a more naturally variable flow regime in the Barwon–Darling system. Commonwealth environmental water contributed to small fresh flows in the system, providing benefits to deep channels and pools, benches, gravel beds, riffle zones and braided channels. These features provide a multitude of habitats for a wide range Narran Lakes, Condamine–Balonne catchment of aquatic plants and animals and play an Photograph by Christine Mercer (CEWO) essential role in river ecosystem processes. downstream flows to the and into Condamine–Balonne the at the end of the system, supporting hydrological connectivity within During the year, the Basin. 64.9 billion litres of Commonwealth environmental water was used Moonie to promote a more naturally In 2012–13, 1.4 billion litres variable flow regime that assisted with the of Commonwealth dispersal of nutrients in the river system and onto environmental water was floodplains. Commonwealth environmental used to support a more water was used to help maintain permanent naturally variable flow regime waterholes in the channels of the lower Balonne, that supported key ecosystem functions. These and to improve flows to the internationally include the germination and maintenance of significant waterbird foraging and breeding riverbank plant communities, the establishment wetlands at the Narran Lakes Nature Reserve. and persistence of waterhole refugia, and These areas provide important refuges for plants carbon and nutrient exchange between and animals during the long periods of low flow the floodplain and the river. These flows also or no flow that occur in this system. Many types contributed to connecting waterholes, enabling of fish, waterbirds and invertebrates persist in the movement of aquatic plants and animals these areas until larger flows occur that allow and providing spawning flows for small-bodied them to recolonise the system. Commonwealth fish such as purple-spotted gudgeon, rainbowfish environmental water also contributed to and carp gudgeon.

22 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Resources

Bureau of Meteorology (2013). Murray–Darling State of New South Wales and Office Rainfall Deciles 1 July 2012 – 30 June 2013. of Environment and Heritage (2013). Twelve-monthly rainfall deciles for Murray– Restoring Tuppal Creek www.youtube.com/ Darling Basin www.bom.gov.au/jsp/awap/rain/ watch?v=8A9evEHtfz8 index.jsp?colour=colour&time=latest&step=0&m ap=decile&period=12month&area=md State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage (2013). The Cockran, Commonwealth of Australia (2012). Basin Plan Jimaringle and Gwynnes Creek Systems www.mdba.gov.au/what-we-do/basin-plan www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLS1m65LLrU

Commonwealth Environmental Water Office State of New South Wales and Office of (2013). Commonwealth Environmental Water Environment and Heritage (2013). Cherax Annual Report 2012–13 www.environment.gov. Swamp and Hobblers Lake Bounce Back au/ewater/publications/index.html#ar www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0e3hds6ETI

Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (2013). A Bird’s Eye View: Environmental Watering in the Lower Lachlan River Catchment www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF_tZ7MWhp8

Murray–Darling Basin Commission (2004). Native Fish Strategy for the Murray–Darling Basin 2003 – 2013 www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/Fish- Strat_ful_2003-13.pdf

Nature Foundation SA (2013). First Commonwealth Environmental Watering for Nature Foundation www.environment.gov.au/ ewater/gallery/video/video-sanf.html

Nature Foundation SA (2012). Water for Nature www.waterfornature.org.au/

State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage (2013). Helping the Murray Cod in the Murrumbidgee www.youtube. com/watch?v=71RkFtUPgVc

A juvenile turtle at Sunshower Lagoon, Murrumbidgee catchment Photograph by Iwona Conlan (CEWO)

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 23 Acknowledgements

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Australian Government Owners, their Elders past and present, their Nations of the Murray–Darling Basin, and their Murray–Darling Basin Authority cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters. The Living Murray program, administered by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority We would also like to thank the following environmental water partners and the numerous landholders who have contributed to the management of environmental water through Queensland ideas and suggestions, as well as to the delivery of environmental water and the monitoring of Department of Natural Resources and Mines the results. New South Wales

Border Rivers–Gwydir Catchment Management Authority

Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries New South Wales)

Department of Primary Industries (New South Wales Office of Water)

Environmental Contingency Allowance Operational Advisory Committee (Gwydir)

Jimaringle–Cockran Creek Landholder Group

Lachlan Catchment Management Authority

Lachlan Riverine Working Group

Lower Murray–Darling Catchment Management Authority

Macquarie Environmental Flows Reference Group Tuppal Creek, Murray River catchment Photograph by Emma Wiadrowski (CEWO)

24 COMMONWEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL WATER OFFICE Murray Catchment Management Authority South Australia Murray Irrigation Limited Department of Environment, Water and Murray–Lower Darling Environmental Water Natural Resources Advisory Group Nature Foundation South Australia Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority Healthy Rivers Australia

Murrumbidgee Environmental Water SA Water Advisory Group South Australian Murray–Darling Basin Natural Namoi Catchment Management Authority Resources Management Board

Office of Environment and Heritage Research institutions State Water Corporation Charles Sturt University Wakool River Association Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Victoria Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre Department of Environment and Primary Industries South Australian Research and Development Institute Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority University of New South Wales Gywnnes Creek, Murray Goulburn–Murray Water River catchment External advice panels Photograph by Loddon Environmental Water Advisory Group Hayley White (CEWO) Commonwealth Environmental Water Scientific Catchment Management Authority Advisory Panel North Central Catchment Commonwealth Environmental Water Management Authority Stakeholder Reference Panel North East Catchment Management Authority

Victorian Environmental Water Holder

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES REPORT 2012–13 25

visiting: at Commonwealth environmental waterusepleasecontact us orifyouwishtoprovide suggestionsfor For more information [email protected] www.environment.gov.au/node/18973 or sendusyour suggestionby

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